Sharks book inspired by passion

Full of knowledge: Jeff Petersen at Cronulla Leagues Club. Picture: John Veage

IF you want to know anything about the Cronulla Sharks then you need do no more than seek out Jeff Petersen.

The 54-year-old is the club's voluntary statistician and historian.

When you sit down and chat with him, you realise how knowledgeable he is about his beloved club.

He can recite the Sharks facts, figures and almost everything you want to know about the players, how many games they have played, how many players have worn the club colours, their history, the number of representative players.

The list is endless: who played in what team and in what era.

A freelance writer who has also worked extensively in the hospitality industry, Petersen said that following the Sharks and being involved in rugby league is a "true passion".

"I remember my first game and it was in round three in 1973, against Souths at home and we won 15-14," Petersen said.

He attends all the club games and has been a member for many years. He started going to the footy as a teenager.

He's also had great support and encouragement from the Cronulla club in helping compile information and statistics and putting up all sorts of information on the sharks.com.au, website.

One concept he would love to see develop is a sporting association for statisticians and footy historians.

"When I worked in England I was a member of an association of statisticians that covered the English soccer," he said.

Before each game the Sharks play, the information on the history of the clashes between the Sharks and the team they are playing is loaded on the site, for fans to read and digest.

And one of the big projects which is consuming most of his time is working on a book on the history of the Sharks.

"The club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017," Petersen said.

"I approached the club's media manager in April last year to discuss this with him and the club.

"While it's voluntary, I work sort of doctors' hours, working on the history book and the statistics for the website."

Rob Willis said Petersen is very dedicated to the club.

Fans with information or statistics or any trivia can contact Petersen via email at thesharksproject@hotmail.com